FROM OUR CEO
Our family suffered a devastating loss recently when longtime employee Lynn Vanderhall, her daughter Melissa and friend Janel Simpson passed away from injuries sustained during a domestic violence incident in Hempstead. Lynn was about to celebrate her 30th anniversary with FCA, where she ran our Nursery Co-op in Hempstead. Losing Lynn has been devastating, both for FCA and for the thousands of struggling families in Hempstead who have benefitted from her passion, dedication and three decades of community service. Her sense of humor, her warmth, her wisdom and natural ability to connect with parents and kids alike will be missed dearly.
Lynn had just finished coordinating our Summer Camp at the nursery – an incredibly special time for the families we serve, where lifetime memories are created. But Lynn made memories with our kids every day, reading to them, playing games, teaching them new things, creating new experiences and giving them and their families the tools necessary to succeed for generations to come.
Not surprisingly, the outpouring of support for Lynn’s co-workers and clients here at FCA, both past and present has been amazing. Some of you made donations in Lynn's name and we thank you. Some of you showed up at our offices to comfort our staff and clients - dozens of you offered to do so. Others called, sent Facebook messages, texts or gift baskets. I speak for not only myself, but for our board, staff, volunteers, clients and community supporters when I say "thank you." While nothing can erase the pain of this tragedy, your support made a tremendous difference and is helping us process our grief and persevere in Lynn’s memory.
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Jeffrey L. Reynolds, Ph.D, CEAP, SAP
President/CEO
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FCA Mourns the Loss of
Lynn Vanderhall
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Lynn Vanderhall, Anita Wilson, Ana Castillo, Carol Barron and Nursery Co-Op youth.
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FCA’s Summer Camp Fund brings smiles, laughter, and rewarding experiences to youth on Long Island. From summer sports programs to sleep-away camp, field trips and activities, FCA youth are creating memories that will last them a lifetime. Families continue to express their gratitude for these amazing experiences they would not have been able to afford for their children and we have you to thank!
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FCA's new and innovative HERTURN program held its Grand Opening this past July, welcoming the Hempstead community along with community healthcare providers to learn about the vital services that will be vastly improving the lives of Black and Latina women and their partners in three of Nassau County’s most vulnerable communities – Hempstead, Uniondale, and Roosevelt.
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Youth Prevention - Too Dope For Dope
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FCA’s Preventive Team hosted their first Too Dope For Dope event aimed to educate youth about topics ranging from the dangers of substance use to unprotected sex.
Several members of the Hempstead community from educators to healthcare organizations such as Planned Parenthood and NuHealth showed their support to improve the lives of youth and families in Hempstead, NY.
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LI Guitar Hero Steve Vai Holds Benefit for FCA
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On 08/24, guitar virtuoso Steve Vai held one of his world famous master classes at The Music Zoo with proceeds benefiting Family and Children's Association.
FCA Walkabout resident and guitarist Nathan was presented with a once in a lifetime experience. Nathan met Vai backstage and was even invited up on stage to jam with Vai! At the end of the night, Steve raffled off an autographed guitar to one lucky winner.
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Ironman Raises $5,000 For Homeless Youth Program
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On July 23rd, Marc Fernandez crossed the Ironman Lake Placid finish line after 14+ hours of swimming, biking and running 140.6 miles.
During his 9 months of training, Marc raised $5,000 to benefit FCA's Walkabout house, a beautiful transitional and independent living skills home for homeless youth in Freeport, NY.
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Open House Tour at FCA's Walkabout Home
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FCA hosted a casual, open house barbecue at Walkabout, the transitional and independent living skills home which has served homeless youth on Long Island since the 1970's. Local businesses and community organizations stopped by to learn about this crucial and often overlooked program. Walkabout keeps homeless youth on a path to success which ultimately benefits all Long Islanders.
Learn more about the vital service Walkabout brings to Long Island's homeless youth and consider becoming a recurring donor to help keep Walkabout's doors open for decades to come.
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1st Annual THRIVE Bowl-A-Thon
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FCA's THRIVE Recovery Center held it's first annual Bowl-A-Thon at Farmingdale Lanes raising awareness and over $12,000 to further Long Island's first Recovery Community and Outreach Center. Over 100 bowlers attended the event in support of THRIVE's positive impacts on Long Island regarding the opioid crisis.
Pictured below; Jim Malone, Director, THRIVE; Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, President/CEO, FCA; Kym Laube, Executive Director, HUGS, Inc. and THRIVE Bowl-A-Thon Honoree; New York State Senator John E. Brooks
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Safe and Warm Quilt Initiative
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FCA's latest fundraising campaign is the Safe and Warm Quilt Initiative! At $25 a fabric block, participants can sew, paint or decorate their contribution and be part of Long Island's largest quilt. From Girl Scout Troops to Accounting Firms, High School Youth to NYS Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, the quilt is getting attention everywhere it goes! Be sure not to miss out on representing the Long Island community!
#FamilyQuilt
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During the hottest days this summer, volunteers repainted parts of the home, built two picnic tables, two planter boxes, and even landscaped to beautify the residence.
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~ June ~
Joseph A. Mannion
President of the Sanitation Officers Association, SEIU Local 444
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~ July ~
Debby Rechler
Philanthropist
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~ August ~
Steve Vai
Grammy Award Winning Musician/Guitar Virtuoso
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Sunday, 9/10/17
3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
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We're proud to call Long Island our home and we know you are too. Give back to the community and be a part of the FCA family, protecting and strengthening Long Island's most vulnerable families.
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The mission of Family and Children's Association is to protect and strengthen Long Island's most vulnerable children, seniors, families and communities. Through an integrated network of services and counseling, Family and Children’s Association provides help and hope to under served and disadvantaged individuals struggling to build better lives.
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100 EAST OLD COUNTRY RD, MINEOLA, NY 11501 | 516-746-0350
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